In a remote village in Jharkhand, women take to turmeric cultivation and processing – learning everything from scratch, transforming their lives and inspiring other women to follow in their footsteps.
Turmeric – one of the most common ingredients in Indian kitchens – is transforming people’s lives and livelihoods. And it is women who are behind this transformation in Chundri, a village in Gumla district of Jharkhand.
The women from Chundri who had no prior experience in turmeric cultivation or processing, learned everything from scratch – how to grow turmeric, how to run a processing unit and how to market their products – and tasted success in their ventures.
Thirty women each from Chundri and Ichha Bakhri villages participated in a 10-day training programme organised in both the villages by Mlinda Charitable Trust (MCT), with financial support from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
The women learned everything, from turmeric cultivation to bookkeeping, during the training.
“We realised that turmeric is a product used in every Indian household,” said Radhika Devi, one of the participants in the training. “So we decided to explore this golden opportunity.”
Forty of the participants have turned to turmeric cultivation, while three of them – Radhika Devi, Manmeet Devi and Rani Devi – took the lead in running a turmeric processing unit.
The women operate their turmeric processing unit using power from a solar mini-grid which ensures a reliable and sustainable source of electricity. This not only supports their business but also symbolises a broader commitment to clean energy and rural development.
“Solar power has been a game-changer for us,” said Manmeet Devi. “We no longer have to worry about voltage fluctuations or power cuts. Solar power helps us to work efficiently.”
The women are currently selling their products in 10 of the 18 panchayats in Ghaghra administrative block under which Chundri falls. They also sell them in the local and weekly markets at Ghaghra, Gumla and Ranchi.
The women do face some challenges, such as finding the right technology to process raw turmeric into turmeric powder and accessing bigger markets. But they are determined to overcome these obstacles.
“We are learning every day,” said Rani Devi. “We know we need to work on our packaging, customer base and turmeric processing technology, to reach a wider market.”
With the help of MCT, they are now looking for bulk orders and exploring new markets for their products.
The women’s initiative has had a ripple effect on their community. Radhika Devi’s leadership has inspired neighbouring villages to start similar ventures.
By encouraging local farmers to cultivate turmeric, the women have also boosted agricultural productivity and ensured fair prices for the produce. This holistic approach highlights the broader impact of women-led enterprises on community development and sustainability.
The women no longer have to rely on their husband or family members for money. They can buy things for their children or the family as and when they need.
The women have also been able to address social issues like alcoholism and abuse.
“This venture has empowered us in ways we never imagined,” said Radhika Devi. “We are not just running a business; we are transforming our community.”
The women’s success that has inspired others to follow in their footsteps is a testament to the power of skill development, collective action and women’s leadership in driving rural development and economic empowerment.
The lead image on top shows turmeric being processed at a solar-powered unit in Chundri, a village in Gumla district of Jharkhand. (Photo by Bishant Kumar, MCT)
Anisha Roy is the Lead – Monitoring Evaluation and Learning at Mlinda Charitable Trust.
